Tidewater Virginia Events: December 2014

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Local Tidewater Virginia Events

COMMUNITY EVENTS/FESTIVALS

Now-Dec 28 - Dickens’s Christmas Towne, Half Moone Celebration Center(lower level), Weekdays and Sat 10:00 am – 8:00 pm, Sun Noon – 6:00 pm, Open December 24 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, Closed Christmas Day, Town Point, Norfolk. Nauticus and the Virginia Stage Company have joined together to create a new, unique holiday tradition for families throughout the region. DICKENS’ CHRISTMAS TOWNE is an interactive holiday experience on the Downtown Norfolk waterfront. Cobblestone paths and candlelit windows, the smell of freshly-baked treats and the sound of carolers. Just as visitors in Williamsburg encounter colonial townspeople, guests strolling down London’s Drury Lane will bump into Bob Cratchit, his young son Tiny Tim, and other characters from the play. A “prize turkey” hangs in the window of the Poulterer’s on the corner. In the Town Square, visitors perch on crates, drink hot chocolate, and enjoy actors performing Victorian street scenes every hour. We’ll watch Ebenezer Scrooge learn the true meaning of Christmas. Meanwhile, London shop owners sell cider and scones, ornaments, children’s books, toy trains and teddy bears. An amazing model train display will wind through 20-foot-high set pieces. Children will actually be encouraged to “play in the streets” as they look for hidden clues and learn more about holiday traditions. And as the journey through this Victorian Christmas comes to an end, children have the opportunity to get their picture taken with Father Christmas, clad in period clothing. $5 Adults, $4 Children ( 4-12 ), Ages 3 & under FREE.

Now-Dec 31 - 'Christmas in Yorktown' Exhibit at the Gallery at York Hall, Tue-Sat 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Sun 1 to 4:00 pm, 301 Main Street, Yorktown. Come and enjoy the best of the best of local artist around our area. There will be a mix of local and Christmas holiday art pieces at the Gallery at York Hall. You can relish in our revolving exhibit of fine art in all media by local artists for display and sale.

Now-Dec 31 - Winter Wonderland at Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center, Fri/Sat 9:00 am - 8:00 pm, Sun 11:00 am - 5:00 pm, Corner of High & Court St, Portsmouth. Join us for the 10th season of Winter Wonderland at the Portsmouth Art and Cultural Center, with holiday displays from the popular Coleman Nursery Collection that became a tradition for families from across the region. Open special holiday hours. Save up to $4 with a Holiday Pass - $12 gets you one admission to each of the Portsmouth Museums: the Children’s Museum of Virginia, Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center, and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum. 393-8543

Now-Dec 31 - Dominion Garden of Lights, Norfolk Botanical Gardens, 5:30 - 10:00 pm nightly. Don’t miss Hampton Road’s favorite holiday tradition. Bring your family and friends to our 20th annual light show extravaganza for a magical holiday experience. During this event, our garden is transformed into a winter wonderland where you can enjoy a 2-mile drive through a million sparkling lights bringing the four seasons to life. $20 Per Car (Friday, Saturday & Sunday), BEST VALUE: $15 Per Car (Monday - Thursday) /http://norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/events/dominion-garden-lights-2014-2014-11-27/

Now-Dec 31 - Antebellum Holidays, Lee Hall Mansion, 163 Yorktown Road, Newport News. Guests step back in time to enjoy the elegance of a mid-nineteenth century Christmas. Period decorations enhance the historic interiors and illustrate how Richard Lee and his family celebrated the holidays in the years before the Civil War. Guided tours are offered. Regular hours and admission rates apply. 757-888-3371

Now-Dec 31 - Christmas at Endview Plantation, 362 Yorktown Road, Newport News. Greenery and period decorations brighten the house for the 1861 holidays. Learn about the families and local history that surround this historic plantation home. Included with regular admission. 757-887-1862

Now Dec 31 - Country Christmas, Hunt Club Farm, Noon - 9:00 pm, London Bridge Road, Virginia Beach. Take a stroll through our Magical Winter Wonderland, 5,000 Square Feet of Animated Holiday Displays. Visit with the animals in the Petting Farm. Thousands of twinkling lights decorate the farm. Shop Our Full Service Christmas Tree Market, it is packed with Virginia Grown 6 – 12 ft. Frasier Fir and White Pine Trees. Stop by the Farm Market for Holiday Items. Watch our wreath makers work creating beautiful holiday decorations. Enjoy Warm Holiday Treats - Bonfires with S’Mores, Hot Apple Cider and Hot Dogs. Visit the Peddler’s Village for Holiday Crafts, local vendors offer all sorts of holiday goodies. $7 per person.

Now-Dec 31 - Horizon Flight Center Holiday Lights Tour, Chesapeake Regional Airport, Tours begin at 5:00 PM each evening, 2800 Airport Drive, Chesapeake. running through December 31, Horizon Flight Center is offering its Holiday Lights Tour. Your flight will begin at Chesapeake Regional Airport and pass you over the grand illuminations of Olde Towne Portsmouth and downtown Norfolk to follow up the Elizabeth River for a fly-by of the naval station’s ship lights. The tour continues by Norfolk’s Botanical Gardens around Cape Henry with a final turn into the glistening Virginia Beach boardwalk. Hot chocolate awaits you when you land and a photo will be snapped to share your holiday flight tour memories. Horizon’s Holiday Lights Tours will be flown in one of our Cessna 172/G1000 - N9530H, N604TT or N1407D for a luminous avionics experience! Up to 3 passengers are welcome per flight (please note total occupancy is based on individual weight maximums). All tours must be reserved in advance. Space is limited! Call to book your tour today! Admission: $249 per tour, (757) 421-9000 / http://horizonflightcenter.com/links/holiday-lights-tour/

Now-Jan 1 - Celebration in Lights, Newport News Park, 13560 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News. Virginia’s first drive-through holiday light event, Newport News Park will be transformed by over 800,000 individual lights creating animated holiday and fanciful scenes. This year’s event will feature more “light tubes” which create the effect of falling snow, more lighted arches, and the refurbishment of displays with energy efficient LED bulbs. The event will be open each evening, 5:30 - 10:00 p.m. through New Year’s.

Now-Jan 4 - A Colonial Christmas, Yorktown Victory Center & Jamestown Settlement, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, 200 Water Street, Yorktown, and 2110 Jamestown Road, Route 31 South, Williamsburg. Holiday traditions of 17th- and 18th-century Virginia are recalled through special interpretive programs and, from December 26 through 31, musical entertainment of the period. At the Yorktown Victory Center, hear accounts of Christmas and winter in Revolutionary War encampments and glimpse holiday preparations on a 1780s farm. $. Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Call 757.253.4838

Now-Jan 4 - McDonald’s Holiday Lights at the Beach, Wed/Thu 5:30 - 10:00 pm, Fri-Dec 4 4:30 - 11:00 pm, Virginia Beach Oceanfront, enter at 2nd Street.

Now-Jan 4 - Hampton Carousel open for holidays, 1:00 - 8:00 pm (closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day), 602 Settlers Landing Rd., Hampton. Ride Hampton’s restored 1920 merry-go-round this holiday season. One of only 200 antique carousels still in the United States, the Hampton Carousel is a rare and beautiful example of American folk art. ride for $2, or free ticket with purchase of $15 of merchandise at a downtown store

Now-Jan 6 - "Artfully Done: Gifts for All Seasons", Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, Tue-Sat 11:00 am - 4:00 pm, 110 West Finney Avenue, Suffolk. Be sure to visit our “Artfully Done” gallery exhibition to see what our very talented regional artists have produced. Most items in the exhibition are for sale, so you can purchase handmade gifts just in time for the holidays. 757.923.2900 / www.SuffolkCenter.org

Now-Jan 19 - MacArthur on Ice: Outdoor Ice Skating In Downtown Norfolk. There’s only one place to skate outdoors during the holidays at MacArthur Center, where you’ll always find something special. Bring the family, bring your friends and enjoy the best skating extravaganza Norfolk’s ever seen. The outdoor ice rink is located at the corner of Monticello Avenue and Freemason Street, across the street from The Norva.http://www.shopmacarthur.com/maconice

Now-Jan 20 - Winter Extravaganza Carnival, MacArthur Center, Downtown Norfolk. Enjoy our outdoor Winter Carnival featuring nine family-friendly rides. Located outside next to MacArthur On Ice, the Winter Carnival will be open Thursday through Sunday until the kids are out of school, at which time it will be open seven days a week. The cost is $1.25 for a single ticket, $25 for 25 tickets or $40 for 50 tickets. Rides include: 55-foot-tall, LED-lit Ferris Wheel, 20-foot-tall Fun Slide, Tilt-a-Whirl, Spinning Monkeys, Helicopters, Red Baron Airplanes, Rio Grande Train, Spinning Tea Cups, Ocean Rage.

Now-Feb 2 - Oceanfront Ice Park, Rudee Loop, Virginia Beach. Ice skate at the Oceanfront to holiday tunes and a sea breeze. The Ice Park will provide a full array of events and activities highlighted by special demonstrations and a holiday themed carnival area for the kids! Admission to the Ice Park is $12 for individuals and $45 for families (up to 5 people) and includes rental skates and unlimited skating for the evening. Skating is open to everyone age 4 and up! Military discount tickets are available at all local base Information, Ticket & Tour Offices (ITT).

All Week - ‘Holt Family Lights’, Mon-Thu & Sun: 5:15 - 10:00 pm; Fri & Sat: 5:15 - 10:30 pm, 900 Teakwood Court, Chesapeake. Enjoy this annual Christmas display at the home of Allen and Cattina Holt. Featuring new lights, new characters, new elements, and new surprises. With more than 35,000 lights, 40 inflatables, 5 wireframes, 9 controllers, and 144 channels, this display is sure to get you in the holiday spirit! Open rain or snow if possible. Come see Elmo, Santa, Buddy the Elf and Frosty the Snowman.https://www.facebook.com/pages/Holt-Family-Lights/163705990330762?sk=timeline

All Week - ‘Pugh Family Christmas Light Show’, Normal display hours will be 6 - 10:00 pm weeknights, 6 - 10:30 pm weekends, 902 Heydon Court, Chesapeake. Welcome to the home of Charlie and Bridgette Pugh. We will also be collecting Toys For Tots again this year because every child should experience the magic of Christmas. Hope to see everyone as we start the beginning of “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”

Tue Dec 23, Fri Dec 26, Mon-Wed Dec 29-31 - Winter Break Camp, Old Hampton Community Center, 7:00 am - 6:00 pm, 201 Lincoln Street, Hampton. We have a list of fun-filled holiday activities for your child to do during the Winter Break Camp Program which includes trips, crafts, games, and much more. This program is designed for individuals with special needs (ages 5.5 to 22). Participants must be enrolled in school, and they must have a current copy of IEP. All programs require an annual assessment for registration in order to ensure proper accommodations. Assessments are available by appointment only and there is a fee of $35. 727-1125

Tue-Wed, Dec 23-24 - Father Christmas, Merchant’s Square, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm, Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg. Greet Father Christmas in the Square on weekends throughout the season. Find him at the Christmas tree outside from the Precious Gem.

Wed, Dec 24 - Full Day Program, Old Hampton Community Center, 7:00 am - 6:00 pm, 201 Lincoln Street, Hampton. Full Day Program is available when students are out of school on Teachers Work Days. We have a list of fun filled activities for your child to do during the Full Day Program. This program follows the Hampton City Schools traditional calendar. This program is designed for individuals with special needs. Participants must be enrolled in school, and they must have current copy of IEP. All Therapeutic Recreation programs require an assessment for registration in order to ensure proper accommodations. Assessments are available by appointment only and there is a fee of $35. 727-1125

Wed, Dec 24 - Victorian Christmas Carolers and Strolling Santa,Williamsburg Premium Outlets, Carolers 12 - 6:00 pm, Santa 2 - 4:00 pm, Williamsburg.

Wed-Sat - Bruce Munro: Light at the Hermitage, 4 - 9:00 pm, The Hermitage Museum and Gardens, 7637 North Shore Road, Norfolk. Munro conveys his love of experimentation through flickering fluorescent tubes, LED-lit water bottles, Fresnel lenses reminiscent of owl’s eyes, and an inventive reuse of materials. During the exhibit, visitors will wander the Hermitage forest, gardens, boardwalk, and the shoreline of the Lafayette River as they are guided by Munro’s interactive displays. The museum will also house two pieces, a prototype of a building Munro hopes to create and a permanent suspended artwork in the front foyer. $15 Non-Members, $12 Members, Children (6-12), and Active-Duty Military.

Fri, Dec 26 - 9th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration, Attucks Theatre, 6:00 pm, 1010 Church Street, Norfolk. Bring out your traditional kinaras and kaftans…The Attucks Theatre is planning a Kwanzaa Celebration you’ll never forget! Hosted by Atumpan the Talking Drums, Kwanzaa promises to be a high energy, “interactive” experience celebrating the principle of “UNITY” with a live African drumming processional, traditional West African dancers, interactive storytelling, and audience participation on stage as well as the actual Kwanza ceremony. Phone: 757-622-4763

Fri-Sun, Dec 26-28 - Winter Wonderland Weekend activities, Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center, Corner of High & Court St, Portsmouth. Face Painting (Fri-Sun), Scrimshaw Holiday Ornaments (Fri), Cookie Decorating (Sat), Chocolate Dipping (Sat)

Fri-Mon, Dec 26-29 - 2014 Norfolk Scope Holiday Invitational Basketball Tournament, Fri 3 pm & 7 pm, Sat 1 pm 3 pm 5 pm & 7 pm, Mon 3 pm & 7 pm, 201 East Brambleton Avenue, Norfolk. The games will take place from December 26th - December 29th and involve eight of the area’s finest high school teams. The 2nd annual holiday tournament will showcase the region’s immense pool of talent in boys’ basketball. Bruce Phelps, former Coordinator of Student Activities for Virginia Beach City Public Schools, will serve as Tournament Director. The following schools will be represented in this year’s holiday invitational: Woodside, Lakeland, Booker T Washington, Indian River, Heritage, Granby, Maury, Tallwood.

Sat, Dec 27 - Decking The Halls, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Downtown Portsmouth. Celebrate the season by going back in time and delving into its history at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum. Come on down and make your own historically inclined ornaments and fun festoons to liven up your dwelling. Also discover the history and traditions behind holiday decoration and why we “deck the halls.” 757-393-8591

Sat, Dec 27 - Movie in the Pool: ‘Elf’, Great Neck Recreation Center, 2 - 4:00 pm, 2521 Shorehaven Drive, Virginia Beach. Enjoy a special feature while floating in the pool. Membership or day pass needed, but no additional cost. Open to all ages, but those age 9 & under must be directly supervised by someone age 16 or older. fun@VBgov.com / (757) 385-5940

Sat, Dec 27 - Pony Rides at the Children’s Museum, 2 - 5:00 pm, Children’s Museum of Virginia, 221 High Street, Olde Towne Portsmouth. Free pony rides for those who have purchased a Holiday Pass, Winter Wonderland admission or admission to the Children’s Museum of Virginia. $5 for all others.

Sat/Sun, Dec 27/28 - Mad Science Fire & Ice at the Children’s Museum of Virginia, 1:30 & 3:30 pm, 221 High Street, Olde Towne Portsmouth. Catch the winter edition of “Fire & Ice.” Discover the cool chemistry in the state of matter and learn the basics of air pressure. Scissors will unexpectedly sizzle and carbon dioxide bubbles will pop as the chilling properties of dry ice are revealed.

Sun, Dec 28 - Float-a-Rama, Bayside Recreation Center, 1 - 4:00 pm, 4500 First Court Road, Virginia Beach. Join us in the pool for a day of huge, fun floats! Enjoy Claw Daddy, Splat!, Sky Totter and Space Mountain. Membership or day pass needed, but no additional cost. Open to all ages, but those age 9 & under must be directly supervised by someone age 16 or older. fun@VBgov.com / (757) 385-5930

Sun, Dec 28 - Songs, Dance and Stories with Via Goode, Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center, 2 & 3:00 pm, Corner of High & Court Street, Portsmouth. Via Goode, of Goode Stories, presents holiday talks through songs, dance and stories. 393-8543

Mon, Dec 29 - Special Monday at The Chrysler Museum of Art, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, One Memorial Place, Norfolk. Normally closed, we will be open Monday, Dec. 29 and we invite you to bring your out-of-town visitors in for a visit. The Glass Studio WILL NOT be open as Monday is the normal day for cleaning and maintenance there, so there will be no noon-time demo.

Wed, Dec 31 - Noon Year’s Eve Bash: Countdown to Noon, Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, Corner of High & Court Street, Portsmouth. Countdown to noon with a glittery ball drop, children’s activities and toast to the New Year at the Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center. Families can enjoy all these fun-filled, and family friendly New Year’s festivities all before bedtime. Countdown followed by a toast, crafts, activities, music, and more! 393-8543

Wed, Dec 31 - High Noon Year’s Eve, Virginia Living Museum, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, 524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News. The whole family can enjoy this day-time western-themed New Year’s event. Come dressed as a cowpoke. Meet Bubbles the Clown and special animal friends from the Teeny Tiny Farm, make crafts, play games and enjoy fun activities. Count down to the New Year at noon. Cost: $10 in advance, $12 at the door for all special activities. Non-members also pay Museum admission.

Wed, Dec 31 - Last Night on the Town, Virginia Beach Town Center & Pembroke Mall, 2:00 pm to Jan 1, 2015 at 1:00 am, Virginia Beach. Celebrate the “Last Night on the Town,” the City of Virginia Beach’s premier New Year’s Eve event. The festivities begin in the afternoon at Pembroke Mall with entertainment for the whole family by The Magic of Krendl & Company, including a children’s countdown and “midnight celebration” at 5:00 PM. The adult fun continues throughout the night at Town Center with live music by Llamas at Brunch, The Fuzz Band, Seth Stainback & Roosterfoot, and headline band Eddie Money. A midnight countdown by Mayor Will Sessoms and a spectacular laser light show, fireworks, and Virginia Beach Ball Drop will ring in 2014. All activities and entertainment are free and open to the public, with food and adult beverages available for purchase. A separate, ticketed VIP Party with food, beverages and entertainment will be held stage side in a heated tent, providing VIP guests with the best seat in the house.

Wed, Dec 31 - 17th Annual Olde Towne Scottish Walk, 3:30 pm, Beginning at Queen & Washington Streets and Ending at High Street Landing, Portsmouth. The Olde Towne Scottish Walk is modeled after Scotland’s Hogmany Festival, a day when townspeople honor their community and merchants, wishing all the best of luck and prosperity in the coming year. A procession of local family, friends, and visitors will be led by bagpipe-and-drum music down Queen and Washington Streets to High Street Landing for a flag raising ceremony that honors George Washington’s raising of the first flag, the Grand Union. Contact Susan Cocke for more information (757) 650-3052

Wed, Dec 31 - Portsmouth Harbor Lights Lighted Boat Display and Competition, 8:00 pm Judging, Judging from Ocean Marine to Tidewater Yacht and Landings and in between, Portsmouth waterfront. Past prizes include dinners at Gosport Tavern, Roger Browns, gifts from Skipjack Nautical, and massage from Olde Town Chiropractors. If you wish to parade your boat email Susan Heely with vessel description and contact number to: Susancocke@cox.net

Wed, Dec 31 - Downtown Hampton New Year’s Eve Celebration and Block Party, 9:00 pm, along Queens Way, Downtown Hampton. New Year’s Eve 2015 will be a Disco Inferno. Celebrate the coming of 2015 with a Downtown Hampton Block Party along Queens Way. Dance in the new year along Queens Way with DJs while enjoying a variety of restaurants, food vendors, and a traditional midnight “Ball Drop” (crab pot) from the top of Old Point Bank Headquarters. Music, Refreshments, and more!

Wed, Dec 31 - Falsetto 2015: A New Year’s Eve Celebration, presented by The Urban League of Hampton Roads Young Professionals & Still Hope Foundation’s ‘Men for Hope’, Harrison Opera House, 9:00 pm, 160 East Virginia Beach Boulevard, Norfolk. Bring in the New Year at the elegant and historic Harrison Opera House with good music orchestrated by DJ Greyl D & DJ Emanon — two of Hampton Roads’ hottest DJs. Enjoy great food, networking, party favors, and an OPEN BAR with premium spirits. That’s right…OPEN BAR, folks! As always, we encourage guests to party responsibly. For your convenience, we’ve partnered with UBER to provide complimentary rides, as necessary. Tickets: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/falsetto-a-new-years-eve-celebration-tickets-14742078955?aff=eac2

Thu, Jan 1 - The Garden 2.015 Fun Run, Norfolk Botanical Garden, 4 - 7:00 pm, 6700 Azalea Gardens Road, Norfolk. Kick off the New Year in a fun, healthy way. Run through 2.015 miles of spectacular light displays in the most beautiful place in Hampton Roads—Norfolk Botanical Garden! Phone: 757-441-5830

Fri, Jan 2 - Million Bulb Walk, Norfolk Botanical Garden, 5 - 9:00 pm, 6700 Azalea Gardens Road, Norfolk. The Million Bulb Walk Make-Up rain date – back in 2015! For one more night, walk through 2-miles of spectacular light displays with family and friends. It’s a great way to kick off the New Year! This is a walking event. No running, bikes or pets please! Wheelchair accessible (paved paths). General Admission $10 Per Person, $8 NBG Members, Children 2 and under are free, Military Appreciation $8 (Current Military ID Required)

LOCAL THEATER/CONCERTS

Tue, Dec 23 - Symphonicity: 32nd Annual Messiah Sing Along, Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, 8:00 pm, 201 Market Street, Virginia Beach. The audience sings as the chorus and professional soloists perform solos in the Christmas portion of Messiah. Scores are for sale in the lobby for $10 each. Soloists are: Anna Sterrett, Soprano; Kelly Montgomery, Alto; Timothy Ayers-Kerr, Tenor; and Brach Fields, Baritone. FREE. www.symphonicity.org

Tue/Wed, Dec 23/24 - Virginia Stage Company: A Christmas Carol, Wells Theater, Tue 7:00 pm, Wed 8:00 pm, 110 East Tazewell Street, Norfolk. Our favorite tradition returns with a special holiday schedule. Don’t miss this heartwarming classic for the whole family!

Fri-Tue, Dec 26-30 - Dreamers Productions presents: ‘Same Time, Next Year’, Kimball Theater, 8:00 pm, 428 Duke of Gloucester St., Williamsburg. Enjoy an evening of humor and nostalgia as Dreamers Productions presents Same Time, Next Year. This romantic comedy by Bernard Slade follows the touching 25-year love affair of a couple who rendezvous once a year. In six scenes, the play captures the moods of America from the 1950s to the 1970s. Directed by Brandon Lyles. Starring Alex Morse and Ashlie Bruun Ranhorn. Adult language PG-13. Shows are Dec 26, 27, 28, and 30th at 8pm at the Kimball Theatre. There is not a performance on the 29th.

Sat, Dec 27 - Wren Chapel Historic Organ Concert, William & Mary, 10:00 am, The Sir Christopher Wren Building on the College of William & Mary campus, Williamsburg. Bruton Parish’s Music Director, Rebecca Davy, oversees a series of weekly concerts on the 18th-century organ in the Wren Chapel. These half-hour concerts are held each Saturday and are free and open to the public.

Sat, Dec 27 - The 3rd Annual Ira Lindberg Harris Scholarship Benefit Concert, Presented by The Governor’s School for the Arts, at GSA Black Box Theatre, 7:30 pm, 254 Granby Street, Norfolk. Artists from the Hampton Roads area will come together for a night of remembrance and love in a concert entitled “Themes of Love.” A variety of genres will be presented in song as we all honor the life of Ira Lindberg Harris. A scholarship has been created in his name and is presented to two seniors at The Governor’s School for the Arts this school year. Doors open at 7:00pm and the theatre seats 96 occupants. Refreshments will be served following the show. Donations for the Scholarship will be taken as Admission. Phone: 757-409-4022

Tue, Dec 30 - WWE Presents WWE Smackdown, Norfolk Scope Arena, 7:00 pm, 201 East Brambleton Avenue, Norfolk. WWE Smackdown Returns To Scope Arena for the first time in over a year! Double Main Event!! Dean Ambrose vs Bray Wyatt! Roman Reigns vs United States Champion Rusev, and more of your favorite WWE Superstars!

Tue/Wed, Dec 30/31 - Kevin Hart “WHAT NOW”, Hampton Coliseum, 7:00 & 10:30 pm, Hampton. If there’s one thing Kevin Hart can do, it’s sell shoes. If there’s one thing Kevin Hart can do better than sell shoes, it’s explode into one of the foremost comedians and entertainers in the industry today. With his passion for stand-up and entertainment, Hart continues to tour the country to sold-out audiences.

FARMERS’ MARKETS

Sat, Jan 17 - Old Beach Farmers’ Market, Croc’s 19th Street Bistro, 9:00 am-12:00 pm, on the corner of 19th Street and Cypress Ave, Virginia Beach. Old Beach Farmers Market (OBFM) features seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, meats (pork, bison, beef, chicken, turkey, sausages, charcuterie), eggs, seafood, cheeses, a wide assortment of baked goods (biscuits, pies, cakes, brownies and cookies), artisanal breads, and savory foods from local chefs (pasta, sauces, salsas, salads, tamales), soap, and flowers. Founded in 2008, Old Beach Farmers Market is run entirely by volunteers as an independent 501(c)6 organization. We support local family farms, watermen, and Virginia wineries. Old Beach Farmers Market is a certified Virginia Green market, encouraging eco-friendly practices. Walk over or ride a bike. Bring a reusable shopping bag. Come discover the taste of fresh, seasonal fare. Beginning November 2014 and running through May 2015 your market will be open every third Saturday, 9:00 am to Noon.

Sat, Feb 14 - Williamsburg Farmer’s Market, Merchants’ Square, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm, 402 West Duke of Gloucester Street, Williamsburg. the Williamsburg Farmers Market is a favorite Saturday morning gathering spot for the finest Virginia-grown and Virginia-made produce, plants, and products in the area. Contact Tracy Herner, Market Manager 757-259-3768. Over 40 vendors will have produce, fruit, eggs, baked goods, meats, cheeses, honey, live music, and so much more.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Local Tidewater Virginia Events

COMMUNITY EVENTS/FESTIVALS

Now-Dec 21 - Free Carriage Rides, City Center at Oyster Point, Fri and Sat, 6 - 8:00 pm, Sun 12 - 3:00 pm, City Center at Oyster Point, Newport News. Come celebrate the enchanting holiday season at City Center! Shop for your perfect holiday gifts in the unique and elegant stores while enjoying the holiday sounds of outdoor performances from carolers and musicians on Market Stage. Looking for a shopping break? Enjoy a magical Carriage Ride around the fountain complete with cookies and hot chocolate from Aromas to satisfy your sweet tooth! Carriage rides, cookies & cocoa, music at Market Stage and parking all free! Carriage Rides and Cookies & Cocoa from Aromas.

Now-Dec 21 - Christmas Tree & Wreath Sale, Nimmo United Methodist Church, 10:00 am - 8:00 pm, 2200 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach. All proceeds benefit programs at the church. 427-1765

Now-Dec 23 - Polar Express at Illumination Station, Mon-Thu 4:30 & 5:15 pm, the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, Azalea Garden Rd, Norfolk. Bring your family and friends to Norfolk Botanical Garden’s most popular holiday event! Guests of all ages will enjoy exploring Illumination Station inside the Visitor’s Center where they can enjoy hot chocolate, create a keepsake holiday craft, listen to a beloved children’s story, and explore the festive decor for picture perfect photo ops or holiday shopping in the gift shop before boarding the Polar Express for a tram ride through the Dominion Garden of Lights display. This event is a holiday tradition for many families, so book early before it sells out! Ticket Prices (ages 24 months+) : $12 per person/$10 for NBG Members* Limit 6 tickets at membership rate per NBG member.

Now-Dec 23 - "Priority Automotive Home for the Holidays Adoption Event", Chesapeake Animal Services, (closed on Wed’s), 2100 S. Military Hwy., Chesapeake. During this event all dog and cat adoptions will be half price! This means dogs will be $47.50 and cats will be $37.50. All adoptions include vaccinations, spay or neuter, microchip and registration. Make the holidays special by adding a new member to your family. Adoption of a pet is the only love money can buy! For more information, contact Chesapeake Animal Services at 382-8081.

Now-Jan 4 - A Colonial Christmas, Yorktown Victory Center, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, 200 Water Street, Yorktown. Holiday traditions of 17th- and 18th-century Virginia are recalled through special interpretive programs and, from December 26 through 31, musical entertainment of the period. At the Yorktown Victory Center, hear accounts of Christmas and winter in Revolutionary War encampments and glimpse holiday preparations on a 1780s farm. $. Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Call 757.253.4838

Now-Jan 4 - McDonald’s Holiday Lights at the Beach, Wed/Thu 5:30 - 10:00 pm, Fri-Dec 4 4:30 - 11:00 pm, Virginia Beach Oceanfront, enter at 2nd Street.

Tue, Dec 16 - MOCA Nights with Eats the Streets 757 & Bonfire Magazine, 4 - 9:00 pm, Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, 2200 Parks Avenue, Virginia Beach. Join us on the third Tuesday of each month, when the Museum is open from 5-9pm with FREE admission. Each MOCA NIGHT offers different experiences for visitors including open-mic performances, conversations gallery tours led by educators, hands-on art-making, grown-up scavenger hunts and a cash bar in our Atrium. MOCA Nights now features a 757 Eat the Streets Food Truck Rodeo and event sponsor Bonfire Magazine who will bring live music and other community partners to “celebrate living a full and rich life in Hampton Roads.” Food Trucks: The Lucky Peach, No Brick Grill, Bro’s Fish Tacos, Sofrito, Twisted Sisters Cupcakes. Come share your words, thoughts and music to inspire in an open and supportive environment. Open Mic Sign-up starts at 6:30pm or in advance on the Facebook event page.

Wed, Dec 17 - Pizza with Santa, Great Neck Recreation Center, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm, 2521 Shorehaven Drive, Virginia Beach. Age 5 & under with parent | Have some yummy pizza with Santa and let him know what you want for Christmas. Don’t forget to bring your cameras since there will be plenty of photo opportunities with the jolly man himself. Food will only be served to the children. $6, Register in person at any Virginia Beach Community Recreation Center or online.https://ezreg.vbgov.com/Activities/ActivitiesCourseDetails.asp?cid=121819

Wed, Dec 17 - Open House on the Final Design Concept for the Housing Resource Center, Renaissance Academy, 6:30 - 7:30 pm, 5100 Cleveland Street, Virginia Beach. The public is invited to see the final design concept for the Housing Resource Center. In February, the city contracted local firm Waller, Todd & Sadler Architects for the formal design of the Housing Resource Center to be located at 104 N. Witchduck Road. The Department of Housing and Neighborhood Preservation worked with city agencies, service providers, the faith community and other stakeholders to determine the types of facilities to be offered at the center; this process also included a design charrette in May. The final design concept is the result of the charrette and a public input process, which included Virtual Town Hall and a public meeting held this summer. During the open house, representatives from the Department of Housing and Neighborhood Preservation and Waller, Todd & Sadler Architects will be on-hand to answer questions and provide a brief presentation on the final design concept.

Wed-Fri - Christmas in the Country, Triple R Ranch, weekly Wed -Fri 6 - 9:00 pm, through Dec 19, 3531 Bunch Walnut Road, Chesapeake. Every December we decorate Triple R with lights to celebrate, inviting the Hampton Roads community to enjoy the holiday season with us. Our annual tradition continues this year with more nights added. Live Nativity, Hayrides, Pony Rides, Rock Climbing wall, Cookie Decorating for the kids, Campfire with Marshmallows, Create a Leather Craft*, Music, Food*, (* Leather Craft and Food for purchase). The week day evenings are FREE and open to the public. (757) 421-4177 / http://www.triplerranch.org/

Wed Dec 17-28 - Dickens’s Christmas Towne, Half Moone Celebration Center (lower level), Weekdays and Sat 10:00 am – 8:00 pm, Sun Noon – 6:00 pm, Open December 24 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, Closed Christmas Day, Town Point, Norfolk. Nauticus and the Virginia Stage Company have joined together to create a new, unique holiday tradition for families throughout the region. DICKENS’ CHRISTMAS TOWNE is an interactive holiday experience on the Downtown Norfolk waterfront. Cobblestone paths and candlelit windows, the smell of freshly-baked treats and the sound of carolers. Just as visitors in Williamsburg encounter colonial townspeople, guests strolling down London’s Drury Lane will bump into Bob Cratchit, his young son Tiny Tim, and other characters from the play. A “prize turkey” hangs in the window of the Poulterer’s on the corner. In the Town Square, visitors perch on crates, drink hot chocolate, and enjoy actors performing Victorian street scenes every hour. We’ll watch Ebenezer Scrooge learn the true meaning of Christmas. Meanwhile, London shop owners sell cider and scones, ornaments, children’s books, toy trains and teddy bears. An amazing model train display will wind through 20-foot-high set pieces. Children will actually be encouraged to “play in the streets” as they look for hidden clues and learn more about holiday traditions. And as the journey through this Victorian Christmas comes to an end, children have the opportunity to get their picture taken with Father Christmas, clad in period clothing. $5 Adults, $4 Children ( 4-12 ), Ages 3 & under FREE.

Thu, Dec 18 - Winter Wonderland Party, Kempsville Recreation Center, 10 - 11:30 am, 800 Monmouth Lane, Virginia Beach. Age 3-5 with parent | Winter means snow, ice, hot chocolate and other treats! Come celebrate with games, a story, snowflake craft, hot chocolate, and fun in our bounce house! Children, please bring your socks so you can bounce. | $6

Thu, Dec 18 - Third Thursday, Chrysler Museum of Art, at the Museum from 5–10:00 pm, at the Glass Studio from 7–10:00 pm, One Memorial Place, Norfolk. At the Museum, join our discourse in denim with The Other Wild One. This Worn to Be Wild-inspired evening of fashion and music spotlights the creative talents of students from the Governor’s School for the Arts. All of the denim jackets from the juried runway show will be on display in the Museum’s Margaret Shepherd Ray Family and Student Gallery through Jan 4. At the Glass Studio, Deborah Czeresko and Skitch Manion return for another epic attempt to create a giant holiday sculpture. Click here or here for videos of previous attempts to create the world’s largest ornament. At the Studio, music will be provided by Sunny & Gabe. This evening is free for Museum Members, children, and students with current school ID, $5 for all others.

Fri, Dec 19 - Santa on the Sprayground & Movie in the Pool: Frozen, Williams Farm Recreation Center, 4:30 - 5:30 pm, then 6:00 pm, 5252 Learning Circle, Virginia Beach. Join us on the sprayground at Williams Farm Recreation Center and take pictures with Santa, Tubeman and Elsa from Disney’s Frozen. Be sure to bundle up for this outdoor event. Stick around for a showing of Disney’s Frozen in the pool starting at 6 pm. Watch Disney’s Frozen while floating in the pool at Williams Farm Recreation Center! Open to all ages, but those age 9 & under must be directly supervised by someone age 16 or older. Both activities are free with a recreation center membership or day pass.

Fri/Sat, Dec 19/20 - Snow Wonders! Snow and Light Shows at the Children’s Museum of Virginia, 5:30 - 7:30 pm, 221 High Street, Olde Towne Portsmouth. Bring the kids down to the Children’s Museum of Virginia and stay for a musical light show accompanied by snow! Shows run every half hour from 5:30 to 7:30 pm Friday and Saturday evenings. Let it Snow! Planetarium show - Noon, 3 PM, 6 PM and 7PM - This show features a new variety of festive classics from Sinatra and Chuck Berry to Burl Ives and Brenda Lee. There is a stunning multi-media finale by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

Fri-Sun, Dec 19-21 - Winter Wonderland Weekend activities, Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center, Corner of High & Court St, Portsmouth. Face Painting (Fri-Sun), Scrimshaw Holiday Ornaments (Fri), Cookie Decorating (Sat), Candle Making (Sat)

Fri-Sun, Dec 19-21 - Olde Towne Santa at Winter Wonderland, Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center, Fri 5 - 8:00 pm, Sat 3 - 8:00 pm, Sun 1 - 5:00 pm, Corner of High & Court St, Portsmouth.

Sat, Dec 20 - Jingle Jog 5K, Great Bridge Presbyterian Church, 8:00 am, 333 Cedar Road, Chesapeake. Prizes, Age Group Awards, Post-Race Breakfast. Lots of Holiday Spirit and Fun for All Ages! See website for entry fees - (757) 547-4706 / http://ww.raceit.com/search3/event.aspx?id=29396

Sat, Dec 20 - Decking The Halls, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Downtown Portsmouth. Celebrate the season by going back in time and delving into its history at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum. Come on down and make your own historically inclined ornaments and fun festoons to liven up your dwelling. Also discover the history and traditions behind holiday decoration and why we “deck the halls.” 757-393-8591

Sat, Dec 20 - Pets with Santa Photos at Chesapeake Animal Services, Noon - 4:00 pm, Animal Services Shelter, 2100 S. Military Highway, Chesapeake. Pets with Santa photos are $5. Dogs must be on leash. Cats and other animals must be in cage or carrier. All proceeds benefit the animals at Chesapeake Animal Services.

Sat, Dec 20 - Arctic Express: A Magical Train Tour of Winter Festivals Around the World, Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center Art Annex, 12:30 & 2:00 pm, Corner of High & Court Street, Portsmouth. This holiday season treat your family to a program that is a trainload of fun filled holiday magic, music and a wonderful story. An imaginary rain ride magically takes children around the world to learn about winter festivals and the holiday celebrations of Diwali, Kwanzaa, Solstice, Ramadan, Hanukkah, and Christmas. 393-8543

Sat, Dec 20 - Pony Rides at the Children’s Museum, 2 - 5:00 pm, Children’s Museum of Virginia, 221 High Street, Olde Towne Portsmouth. Free pony rides for those who have purchased a Holiday Pass, Winter Wonderland admission or admission to the Children’s Museum of Virginia. $5 for all others.

Sat, Dec 20 - Walking Tour of Fort Boykin Historic Park, 3:00 pm, 7410 Fort Boykin Trail, Isle of Wight. Fort Boykin has been a part of American history since 1623 when a fort known as the Castle was constructed to protect the Jamestown colonists from Native Americans and raiding Spaniards. Today, Fort Boykin remains essentially intact and constitutes a well-preserved example of military architecture of the Civil War era. Official event of Isle of Wight County Sesquicentennial Committee. For further information call (757) 357-0115.

Sat, Dec 20 - Surf-n-Santa 5 Miler, Dash through the Lights at the Oceanfront, 4:30 pm, (packet pick-up at Virginia Beach Convention Center 12:00 pm), Virginia Beach. Race is SOLD OUT: 12:00-4:00 pm Packet Pickup, 3:00-4:00 pm Costume Contest Judging - Virginia Beach Convention Center, 4:30 pm Surf-n-Santa 5 Miler Start, 5:00–8:30 pm Post Race Rockin’ Party - Virginia Beach Convention Center, 5:30-6:30 pm Costume Contest Judging – Virginia Beach Convention Center, 7:00 pm Naughty Or Nice Costume Awards Ceremony

Sat, Dec 20 - Live Nativity, Greenbrier Presbyterian Church, 7 - 9:00 pm, 1100 Greenbrier Parkway, Chesapeake. Come and enjoy a petting zoo, pony rides, and light refreshments in our Nativity setting.

Sat/Sun, Dec 20/21 - A Colonial Christmas-Holloway Hundred Consort, Jamestown Settlement, 11:30 am, 2110 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg. “A Jamestown Christmas” holiday film and special interpretive programs compare and contrast English Christmas customs of the period with how the season may have been observed in the difficult early years of America’s first permanent English colony. In Jamestown Settlement’s re-created fort church, visitors can enjoy 17th-century holiday music and dancing at 11:30 am and 3:30 pm. Admission to Jamestown Settlement is $16.00 for adults and $7.50 for ages 6-12.

Sat/Sun, Dec 20/21 - Meet Santa at the Suffolk Visitor Center, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm Saturday; 12 - 3:00 pm Sunday, 524 North Main Street, Suffolk. Free and open to the public. Bring the kiddos to meet jolly ol’ St. Nick! Bring your cameras for photos with Santa. Holiday décor and light refreshments make this the ideal place to snap a photo with Santa. **Sunday is bring your pet to meet Santa! We welcome all friendly, well-behaved critters. Dogs must be leashed. Pet owners are encouraged to bring a donation for the homeless pets at the Suffolk Animal Shelter. The following items are encouraged kitty litter, cat food/kitten chow, dog food/puppy chow, leashes and collars, grooming supplies, toys, crates, towels, blankets, bleach, hand sanitizer & wipes, laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, trash bags and carriers.** 757.514.4130

Sat/Sun, Dec 20/21 - Father Christmas, Merchant’s Square, Sat 2:30 - 6:00 pm, Sun 3:30 - 5:30 pm, Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg. Greet Father Christmas in the Square on weekends throughout the season. Find him at the Christmas tree outside from the Precious Gem.

Mon-Wed, Dec 22-24 - Father Christmas, Merchant’s Square, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm, Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg. Greet Father Christmas in the Square on weekends throughout the season. Find him at the Christmas tree outside from the Precious Gem.

LOCAL THEATER/CONCERTS

Now-Dec 19 - Holiday in the City: Strolling Musicians, Downtown Norfolk, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm, Granby Street and Tazwell Street. Schedule: Dec 16 - Holiday Brass, Dec 17 - Santa Band, Dec 18 - Holiday Brass, Dec 19 - Doorway Singers

Tue, Dec 16 - Virginia Beach Chorale: Sing We Now of Christmas, Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 pm, 201 Market Street, Virginia Beach. The program offers well-loved holiday favorites with beautiful new arrangements, including “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “Joy to the World,” “In the Bleak Mid-Winter,” “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” “Jingle Bells” and much more! The Virginia Beach Chorale is delighted to welcome the Tallwood High School Madrigals, under the direction of Corbin Thomas Shoup, as their guest artists during this concert. The Madrigals will present several vocal selections and then join the Chorale for the finale, “God Bless Us Everyone,” from Disney’s “A Christmas Carol.”

Tue/Wed, Dec 16/17 - A Big Band Christmas, Kimball Theater, 7:30 pm, 428 West Duke Of Gloucester, Williamsburg. Enjoy an evening of the greatest holiday classics from the 1930s and 1940s. The Williamsburg Classic Swing Orchestra will feature arrangements from the Glenn Miller, Stan Kenton, and Duke Ellington orchestras as well as other holiday favorites from the Big Band era.

Tue, Dec 16-24 - Virginia Stage Company: A Christmas Carol, Wells Theater, Tue 7:00 pm, Wed-Sat 8:00 pm, Sat 4:00 pm, Sun 2:00 pm, 110 East Tazewell Street, Norfolk. Our favorite tradition returns with a special holiday schedule. Don’t miss this heartwarming classic for the whole family!

Wed, Dec 17 - Front Porch Series: Herbie D and The Dangermen, Hampton History Museum, 6 - 8:00 pm, 120 Old Hampton Lane, Hampton. A swampy blend of Appalachian acoustic blues and New Orleans-style jump blues delivered with a unique sound created by the inclusion of an upright bass, swapping out an electric guitar in favor of an acoustic guitar, and by replacing the traditional harmonica with a saxophone.

Wed, Dec 17 - Vienna Boys Choir, The American Theater, 7:00 pm, 125 E Mellen St, Hampton. Vienna Boys Choir - the name alone conjures images of majestic holiday celebrations held around the globe. This year, the sonic celebration takes place at The American Theatre. Come alone, or with the special people in your life, to experience the soaring voices and exquisite vocal discipline of the Vienna Boys Choir, in an evening sure to lift your spirits and provide a brief but glorious rest from the hustle and bustle of what we know as ‘the most wonderful time of the year’. The performance starts early - because the boys need to get to bed at a reasonable hour - but that makes the event perfect for students as well!

Thu, Dec 18 - Madison Kohn- Acoustic Guitar, Town Center Fountain Plaza, 6 - 8:00 pm, Town Center of Virginia Beach, One Columbus Center, Virginia Beach. Come out for the festive holiday FREE entertainment at the Fountain Plaza! Join in the carols, or just listen, as the music of season cheers and inspires you. Happy holidays to you from the Town Center of Virginia Beach!

Thu, Dec 18 - Memories of Christmas Pageants Past - “Our Story, Our Time” Oral History Program, Hampton History Museum, 7:00 pm, 120 Old Hampton Lane, Hampton. Costumes! Lights! Enter stage left! Many children experience their first public performance as an actor in a Christmas pageant. Were you once a camel, shepherd, angel or other actor in a Christmas pageant? Come share with other Hamptonians your and your children’s thrilling—or not so thrilling—debut in this holiday performance tradition.

Thu, Dec 18 - Handel’s Messiah, Presented by The Governor’s School for the Arts at First Presbyterian Church of Norfolk, 7:30 pm, 820 Colonial Avenue, Norfolk. A holiday classic sung by the vocal music students at Governor’s School for the Arts with the GSA Chamber Orchestra. 757-451-4711

Thu, Dec 18 - Phoebus Film Club Series: Doctor Zhivago, The American Theater, 7:30 pm, 125 E Mellen St, Hampton. This classic 1965 love story is often regarded as the most epic of them all. Breathtaking landscapes, multiple story arcs covering decades, grand historical themes, 197 minutes of emotional devastation - films don’t get much bigger than this. Based on Boris Pasternak’s famous novel, it is a long and complex journey through the chaos of the first world war and the Russian revolution, but at its heart it remains first and foremost a love story.

Thu-Sun, Dec 18-22 - Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol with John Hardy, Smithfield Little Theatre, Thu-Sat 8:00 pm and Sun 2:30 pm, 201 N. Church Street in downtown Smithfield. Actor John Hardy plays all 25 parts in this lively and captivating adaptation of the well-known Christmas tale, sure to be a delight for the whole family. Tickets: Adults $10, Students $5 and are available online. For further information call (757) 357-7338.

Fri, Dec 19 - Mike Beyrodt Piano, Town Center Fountain Plaza, 6 - 8:00 pm, Town Center of Virginia Beach, One Columbus Center, Virginia Beach. Come out for the festive holiday FREE entertainment at the Fountain Plaza! Join in the carols, or just listen, as the music of the season cheers and inspires you. Happy holidays to you from the Town Center of Virginia Beach!

Fri, Dec 19 - Rainbow Puppets: Babes in Toyland, Fort Monroe Community Center, 6:30 pm, 100 Stilwell Road, Fort Monroe, Hampton. Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep and cannot find them anywhere. Could her evil Uncle Barnaby somehow be involved? In her search, she meets a bumbling pirate, gets trapped in the scary Spider Forest, and eventually makes her way to Toyland where she seeks protection from the Master Toymaker. This edition of the Rainbow Puppets features pre-recorded vocal performances form movie legend Mickey Rooney. While the original production opened a century ago, this program features a brand new script by show director David Messik.

Fri, Dec 19 - Don Irwin in Concert: I’ll Be Home for Christmas, Kimball Theater, 7:30 pm, 428 West Duke Of Gloucester, Williamsburg. Steinway Artist Don Irwin brings his annual Christmas show to the Kimball Theatre. Featured holiday music from his CD “Home” will remind you of the best part of childhood memories. Celebrate the festive times that have made this time of year special for all with a night of favorite seasonal songs performed by one of the world’s most gifted pianists.

Fri, Dec 19 - VSO: Holiday POPS, Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, 8:00 pm, 201 Market Street, Virginia Beach. Join us for a holiday tradition with your favorite music, served up as only the Virginia Symphony POPS! can do. There’s no better way to lift your spirits than with seasonal songs and traditional carols delivered in full sound and spectacle by your home town Orchestra along with the inspirational voices of Virginia Symphony Chorus. Bring the family for one of our great holiday traditions!

Fri/Sat, Dec 19/20 - Holiday Music, City Center Market Stage, Fri 5 - 7:00 pm, Sat 4 - 6:00 pm, Town Center Drive, Newport News. There will be Holiday entertainment on the market stage to accompany seasonal shopping.

Fri-Sun, Dec 19-21 - A Christmas Carol Street Theater, Merchant Square, Fri 5:00 pm, Sat 12:30 3:30 & 5:00 pm, Sun 3:30 & 5:00 pm, Williamsburg. Enjoy a hilarious 30 minute street theater production of the Christmas classic from the Virginia Theatre Machine. Back for a 7th year!

Sat, Dec 20 - Wren Chapel Historic Organ Concert, William & Mary, 10:00 am, The Sir Christopher Wren Building on the College of William & Mary campus, Williamsburg. Bruton Parish’s Music Director, Rebecca Davy, oversees a series of weekly concerts on the 18th-century organ in the Wren Chapel. These half-hour concerts are held each Saturday and are free and open to the public.

Sat, Dec 20 - "The Elf and the Reindeer" by The Children’s Theatre of Hampton Roads, Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 11:00 am, 110 West Finney Avenue, Suffolk. $5. When your one job is to watch the reindeer, and that doesn’t go well, then it can prove to be a problem for the holidays. Enjoy this story of two misfits who become friends and save Christmas! 757.923.2900 / www.SuffolkCenter.org

Sat, Dec 20 - Mother Africa’s Gift a Preview Performance, Children’s Museum of Virginia, 1 & 2:00 pm, 221 High Street, Olde Towne Portsmouth. Be the first to view Atumpan Entertainment’s original performance of “Mother Africa’s Gift”. In honor of the upcoming Kwanza festivities, this story-adventure ballet will feature songs and dance of Africa woven into a creative tale on how the animals of Africa came to be the way we know them today.

Sat, Dec 20 - Doorway Singers, Town Center Fountain Plaza, 6 - 8:00 pm, Town Center of Virginia Beach, One Columbus Center, Virginia Beach. Come out for the festive holiday FREE entertainment at the Fountain Plaza! Join in the carols, or just listen, as the music of the season cheers and inspires you. Happy holidays to you from the Town Center of Virginia Beach!

Sat, Dec 20 - It’s a Wonderful Life, Kimball Theater, 7:00 pm,. Enjoy this heart-warming Christmas classic on the big screen. George Bailey, an extraordinarily giving man, is in charge of his family’s business, the Building and Loan Company. After some financial mishaps, George feels like he has done more damage than good in his life—until an angel gives him the chance to see what Bedford Falls would be like if he had never existed. Starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, and Lionel Barrymore. Directed by Frank Capra. 130 mins.

Sat, Dec 20 - CMA Jazz Ambassadors Performance, Chesapeake Square, 7 - 9:00 pm, 4200 Portsmouth Boulevard, Chesapeake. Join the CMA Jazz Ambassadors at Chesapeake Square Mall as they perform some of your favorite holiday classics.

Sat, Dec 20 - K’Bana Blaq: Oh Where, Oh Where Is My Christmas Tree, The American Theater, 8:00 pm, 125 E Mellen St, Hampton. K’bana Blaq will be presenting his first work that he alone wrote, cast and directed. A modern-day mix of Scrooge and Annie, “Oh Where, Oh Where Is My Christmas Tree” is an original story that takes place over the two days leading up to Christmas Day. K’Bana’s not just an R&B, Hip Hop, or Rock artist…he is known in local indie circles as a phenom, with an incredible ability to comfortably blend sonically diverse genres of music. He can seamlessly take you from an edgy rock song to a beautiful ballad that will have you in tears.

Sat, Dec 20 - VSO: Holiday POPS, Chrysler Hall, 8:00 pm, 215 St Pauls Blvd, Norfolk. Featuring special guests, the Raleigh Ringers and Todd Rosenlieb Dance. Join us for a holiday tradition with your favorite music, served up as only the Virginia Symphony POPS! can do. There’s no better way to lift your spirits than with seasonal songs and traditional carols delivered in full sound and spectacle by your home town Orchestra along with the inspirational voices of Virginia Symphony Chorus. Bring the family for one of our great holiday traditions!

Sat, Dec 20 - Attucks Jazz Club: Dick Oatts, saxophone; with the John Toomey Trio, Attucks Theater, 8:00 pm, 1010 Church Street, Norfolk. Attucks Jazz Club features world-class jazz musicians one Saturday night each month through March.

Sat, Dec 20 - Wynonna & The Big Noise: A Simpler Christmas, Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, 8:00 pm, 201 Market Street, Virginia Beach. Five-time Grammy winner and New York Times bestselling author, Wynonna has always revolved her career around telling stories. Whether performing alongside her mother as one half of the legendary duo The Judds, or pushing the boundaries on her own mega-successful solo path, Wynonna’s ability to reach the heart of the human spirit through her bold and unflinching honesty, is the entertainer’s true gift.

Sat/Sun, Dec 20/21 - American Youth Ballet Company, The Nutcracker, Ferguson Center for the Arts, Sat 7:00 pm, Sun 2:00 pm, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News. Enjoy the splendor and beauty of Hampton Roads’ most exciting classical ballet production of the holiday season — The Nutcracker! This magical and lighthearted story of a small girl’s dream on Christmas Eve has delighted children and adults of all ages at the Ferguson Center since 2004. Delivering a sparkling adaptation of the E.T.A. Hoffman tale based on the original Petipa version. It is coupled with Tchaikovsky’s rich, classical score. The production features awarding-winning guest artists, brilliant costumes and scenery, dazzling special effects and showcases an outstanding cast of more than 80 performers.

Sun, Dec 21 - Rainbow Puppets present “Toyland!”, Children’s Museum of Virginia, 2 & 3:00 pm, Olde Towne Portsmouth. Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep and cannot find them anywhere. Could her evil Uncle Barnaby somehow be involved? In her search, she meets a bumbling pirate, gets trapped in the scary Spider Forest, and eventually makes her way to Toyland where she seeks protection from the Master Toymaker. This edition of the Rainbow Puppets features pre-recorded vocal performances form movie legend Mickey Rooney. While the original production opened a century ago, this program features a brand new script by show director David Messik.

Sun, Dec 21 - Stan the Sax Man, Town Center Fountain Plaza, 6 - 8:00 pm, Town Center of Virginia Beach, One Columbus Center, Virginia Beach. Come out for the festive holiday FREE entertainment at the Fountain Plaza! Join in the carols, or just listen, as the music of the season cheers and inspires you. Happy holidays to you from the Town Center of Virginia Beach!

Sun, Dec 21 - Kenny Rogers: Christmas & Hits Through The Years, Chrysler Hall, 8:00 pm, 201 East Brambleton Avenue, Norfolk. IMG is proud to present Kenny Rogers with special guest Linda Davis for a special holiday performance Christmas & Hits Through The Years.

Mon, Dec 22 - A Grand Medley of Entertainments, Kimball Theater, 7:30 pm, 428 West Duke Of Gloucester, Williamsburg. Owen Murdock’s company gamely tries to present a Grand Medley—an 18th-century traveling variety show! They have high hopes of amazing feats, strange beasts, and fast-paced hilarity, but things aren’t going well for the company. Their misfortunes provide a comedy of errors for the entire family to enjoy. A colonial entertainment so amusing that even Colonel Washington would have laughed!

Tue, Dec 23 - 32nd Annual Messiah Sing Along, Symphonicity, Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, 8:00 pm, 201 Market Street, Virginia Beach. FREE and Open to the Public. The audience sings as the chorus and professional soloists perform solos in the Christmas portion of Messiah. Scores will be for sale in the lobby for $10 each. Soloists are: Anna Sterrett, Soprano; Kelly Montgomery, Alto; Timothy Ayers-Kerr, Tenor; and Brach Fields, Baritone.

FARMERS’ MARKETS

Sat, Dec 20 - Williamsburg Holiday Farmer’s Market, Merchants’ Square, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm, 402 West Duke of Gloucester Street, Williamsburg. the Williamsburg Farmers Market is a favorite Saturday morning gathering spot for the finest Virginia-grown and Virginia-made produce, plants, and products in the area. Contact Tracy Herner, Market Manager 757-259-3768. Over 40 vendors will have produce, fruit, eggs, baked goods, meats, cheeses, honey, live music, and so much more.

Sat, Dec 20 - Olde Towne Holiday Farmers’ Market, hours from Nov 1 to Dec 20 are 10:00 am - 1:00 pm, Downtown Portsmouth Historic district. Market with locally and organically grown veggies, fruits, nut, herbs, beef, chicken, eggs, seafood, artisanal breads, scones, pastries, cakes, pies, jams, jellies, salsas, fresh, dried and silk flowers, soaps, lotions, pottery, arts/crafts. Just outside the Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center courtyard at Court and High Streets.

Sat, Dec 20 - Old Beach Art Market & Old Beach Farmers’ Market, Croc’s 19th Street Bistro, 9:00 am-12:00 pm, on the corner of 19th Street and Cypress Ave, Virginia Beach. Join local artists and patrons for the Old Beach Art Market on the patio of Croc’s 19th Street Bistro Saturday from 9am - noon this Fall (dates below). This event is held in conjunction with the Old Beach Farmer’s Market. Old Beach Farmers Market (OBFM) features seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, meats (pork, bison, beef, chicken, turkey, sausages, charcuterie), eggs, seafood, cheeses, a wide assortment of baked goods (biscuits, pies, cakes, brownies and cookies), artisanal breads, and savory foods from local chefs (pasta, sauces, salsas, salads, tamales), soap, and flowers. Founded in 2008, Old Beach Farmers Market is run entirely by volunteers as an independent 501(c)6 organization. We support local family farms, watermen, and Virginia wineries. Old Beach Farmers Market is a certified Virginia Green market, encouraging eco-friendly practices. Walk over or ride a bike. Bring a reusable shopping bag. Come discover the taste of fresh, seasonal fare. Beginning November 2014 and running through May 2015 your market will be open every third Saturday, 9:00 am to Noon.

Sat, Dec 20 - Smithfield Christmas Specialty Craft & Food Market, at the Bank of Southside Virginia parking lot, 9:00 am-1:00 pm, Downtown Smithfield. Named one of the “101 Best Farmers Markets in America” by the DailyMeal.com, Smithfield’s Farmers Market is held every Saturday morning from April 5 through October 25. Now in its 14th season, each market features “Virginia Grown” - locally grown produce and items such as: beef, pork, chicken, eggs, peanuts, plants, herbs, baked goods, coffee, cheese, honey, barbecue, wood-fired pizza, ham sandwiches, handcrafted items and live music each week!